The governor of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis, recently signed the law regarding the ban on texting while driving. Texting while driving in Florida will become a primary traffic offense punishable by fines.

The bill was signed on Friday, May 17, 2019.

Under current law, officers can only cite drivers for texting if they are pulled over for another violation. The new law allows officers to stop motorists simply for texting alone.

A first offense is punishable by a $30 fine, with a second costing $60. Court costs and fees also would apply. The law takes effect July 1, but only warnings will be given until January, when officers can begin writing citations.​The texting ban does not apply to a driver using a navigation device or system or to a driver whose vehicle is stationary.